If you or someone you know has a subprime loan, especially an ARM or a hybrid ARM about to reset to a higher rate, you need to speak with a mortgage professional right away.
With loan guidelines and credit requirements tightening so heavily, and property values still declining in many neighborhoods, you may not even qualify for a refinance if you wait too long and the pendulum passes you by.
Even if your mortgage has a pre-payment penalty, it may be less expensive to absorb the penalty now and refinance into a more affordable or stable mortgage. Fixed rate programs are approaching eighteen-month lows.
Remember, if you have an ARM, your loan will reset. When it does, can you handle a 50% or 100% increase in your monthly payment? Do you know what your margin is? If not, invest an hour with your mortgage professional and find out all of your options. Don't let foreclosure sneak up on you. Take the necessary steps this summer to protect your biggest investment.
For anyone considering purchasing a new home this summer, schedule a credit review right away. With the right credit score, buyers can take advantage of the increased inventories and lower prices available in many markets. Don't let the summer selling season pass you by.
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